6th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A - Honesty and Integrity & “Whatsoever You Do”

Our Gospel teaching this Sunday, just days before the Sacred Season of Lent, comes after a series of new and deeper teachings from our Lord on the Commandments of old. Jesus mentions the Old Testament teachings that we ought not kill, commit adultery, or lie. He then follows up each of these commandments with a deeper insight. 

In the New Law of Jesus’ teaching, “Thou shall not kill” is deepened to mean that we ought to avoid all anger in our hearts. “Do not commit adultery” is deepened to mean we ought not have lust in our heart. And “Do not lie” is deepened and presented in a new way: Let your “Yes” mean “Yes,” and your “No” mean “No.” Anything more is from the evil one.

The first thing to note is the more general fact that Jesus’ life and teaching bring us to a new depth of morality.  No longer are we to simply avoid seriously sinful actions; we are now called to avoid even interior tendencies toward these actions.  Not only must we purify our external actions, we must also purify our hearts.

This particular passage, that our “Yes” must mean “Yes,” and our “No” must mean “No,” is Jesus’ way of saying that the words we speak must flow from the honesty and integrity of our hearts. In other words, what we say, exteriorly, must be spoken from the depths of our being. Our words must flow from that which is in our hearts.

What a profound lesson for us. It’s so very easy, in life, to live in a two-faced way. It’s easy to say only that which we believe benefits us the most, makes us look good, or makes a particular situation easier. It’s a common tendency to say what we believe others want to hear or to say that which paints our lives in the best light. 

True honesty and integrity require that we speak only from the truth that resides within our hearts. No, we do not have a moral duty to reveal every truth of our hearts publicly. Some things are to be reserved only for God or for confession. But when we do feel compelled to speak, it’s essential that our words carry the integrity of truth in every way. Otherwise, they are meaningless, deceptive and, ultimately, destructive.

Challenge: Let us reflect this weekend upon our own honesty and integrity. When we speak to others, do our words flow from the truth alive within our heart? When God hears our words, does He see honesty? After a conversation, can we return to prayer and face our Lord in peace and with a clear conscience? 

If you struggle with honesty, know that it is honesty that produces integrity. Seek the goodness of integrity in your life and our Lord will help you to achieve it by becoming a person of truth who speaks from the heart.

In honor of the upcoming Lenten season, we would like to share our latest video, “Whatsoever You Do”. Based on the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:31‑46, the hymn calls us to serve Christ in others — to love, feed, shelter, and comfort “the least of these.”

Through its tender melody and reflective refrain, the song beautifully captures the Christian call to mercy, justice, and discipleship. Its message rings especially true during Lent, service gatherings, and liturgies focused on caring for others.

Video can be watched by clicking here or by clicking on the thumbnail below.